An amalgamation of Veda, to know, and 'anta' means end, hence Vedanta either means the 'complete knowledge of the Vedas', or that which comes as the end of such writings, which are the UPanishads. The chief doctrine of Vedanta, as expounded by Shankara, is 'Advaita', the view that nothing really exits but the One Self or Supreme Soul, Brahman.

("End of the Vedas"). System of Hindu philosophy based on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Includes both dualist (dvaita) and nondualist (advaita) schools as well as others, but all believe in transmigration ( samsara), the desirability of escape from it, the authority of the Vedas, Brahman as the cause of the universe, and the law of karma.

'Conclusion of the Vedas'. School of thought embodied in the Upanishads which reveal the conclusive teachings of the Vedas, centering primarily on the nature of the ãtmã, the world, reality and personal experience. Also called Uttar Mimãnsã, 'the later inquiry', it constitutes one of the six systems of philosophy known as the Six Darshans. Although each of the ãchãryas have written extensive commentaries upon the Upanishads and propounded their personal doctrines that can also be called Vedãnta, the term is often used specifically to refer to the Advait doctrine. See also: shushka-Vedãnta.

literally, "the end of Veda," i.e., the core teaching of the UIpanishads. It focuses on the final emancipation, or Moksha, from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. See also Advaita Vedanta and Samsara.